Police mum on details about injured boy

July 30, 2005

PNT Staff

Portales police responded Friday morning to reports of a person found with head injuries in a residential area of Portales.
Portales Police Capt. Lonnie Berry refused to identify the 15-year-old male victim, but did indicate he lived within a five-block radius of where he was found.
Berry would not comment on what police believe caused the injuries, only that foul play was involved.
“We don’t want to give away to our suspects what we’re thinking,” Berry said.
He said Saturday he did not know the victim’s current condition.
Matilde Ornelas, who lives two houses from the scene, said she called authorities.
“My husband (goes) to work at 6 every morning on the dot,” Ornelas said. “The people who come and pick him up always pass through (Fargo). As soon as they came, they handed me the phone and told me to call.”
Police blocked off the area for nearly six hours because police wanted to wait for more daylight to help in collecting evidence, Berry said.
He said information has been gained from interviews, but no motive has been determined yet.
“It may be very basic and it may be very complicated,” Berry said.
Berry said that the victim was likely injured about an hour before the 911 call.